First, as promised, here are the winners of last week’s autographed book giveaway: Norma Frink and Joanne Bitts. A new round begins today: just comment, and you’ll be in the random drawing. Two winners will each receive a copy of my most recent book, signed by moi, as soon as they’ve been contacted by Jenni.

On peanut butter: Several of you asked about sugar-free peanut butter, which I mentioned as a Weight Watchers Power Food. What I should called it is no-sugar-added peanut butter. In any case, I bought a great product at Safeway on Saturday. The brand name is Old Home 100% Natural Peanut Butter. It was in the refrigerated section and must be kept in the refrigerator when you get it home. I saw several brands online, and I know Schmucker’s makes a version as well.

Often times, these things really disappoint me, but I couldn’t be more pleased with this stuff. It’s delicious! Of course that doesn’t mean I can go overboard, but I spread some on Good Seed bread, add sliced bananas, and cook them in a non-stick pan. I spray each side with I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter and top the whole shebang off with a spoonful of no sugar added jelly. Shut the front door! This concoction is not only tasty, it’s filling. Takes me right on through until lunch.

I mostly wrote over the weekend, I’m so caught up in the current project. I can’t wait to share NORTH OF EDEN with all of you. For me, it’s a definite case of Where Has This Book Been All My Life???? I guess I just wasn’t ready to write it before now.

Now that I’m back on track with Weight Watchers, I’m experimenting with different foods. Take, for instance, polenta, another Power Food. I LOVE this stuff. And I’ve been making those vegetable soup bases I told you about, too. Mowgli, one of my dogs, goes crazy when I fire up that stick blender. He just barks his head off! Guess he’ll just have to get used to it, because I can think of about a jillion uses for this handy little device. You know me and gadgets. I also love my Spiralizer. If you haven’t tried one of these gizmos, you’re missing something.

That’s all the news that’s fit to print, at least for today. Tune in tomorrow, New Book Day, to see what I’ve downloaded from Audible. (If those people don’t love me, they should, because I gobble up those audiobooks.)

46 comments to “Monday Musings”

Gald all is well! I gotten peanut butter at the farmers market. Made with molasses, instead of artificial sweetners. My doggie Victoria loves peanut butter. I include it in her pupcicles! Artificial sweetners are doggie killers! Waiting patiently for another great book! Thank you!

How cool is that??? I never thought of checking a health food store. Too many memories of really bad versions of my favorite foods, I guess. Just goes to show, I need to update my attitude. Thanks for sharing.

I enjoy peanut butter myself but I usually buy Jif. I do have a jar of Jif natural but I noticed it does have sugar in it. My cat is scared to death of the vacuum cleaner, he runs like crazy when you get it out. Last Christmas after he knocked the Christmas tree over twice, I set the vacuum under the tree and he never bothered the tree again.

Did you know that peanut butter and bananas was Elvis Presley favorite? We went by Graceland once but didn’t go in, kind of pricey with two small kids that wouldn’t have cared. But now that they are older think I’d like to go. Well, here in North Texas we have finally gotten some rain, and the weather is below 100, so fall is making an appearance.

Here in the Northeast we have Teddie Peanut Butter that I like very much–No sugar or salt added. Just dry roasted peanuts. It tastes better (more peanutty) than brands with additives. Doesn’t need refrigeration as well.
I am really looking forward to North of Eden. Nice to hear you are really enjoying writing it.

I missed the information about the soup bases, can you talk about them again. I’m down 5.5 pounds at WW this summer. You are an inspiration to me. I’ll look for the peanut butter at Safeway on Wednesday. Do you cook the bananas too?

Thanks for the information. I looked for the peanut butter at Safeway and Rosaurs in Moscow–no luck. Maybe it just hasn’t gotten here yet. Rosaurs has just remodeled and has a huge Huckleberry section but not that peanut butter.

Well will differently have to check out other peanut butter. Back in the 100’s for middle of CA & just no fun. Coming down to a couple of weeks left to getting to change apts, so glad since this one has a small yard. Been without any for the last 3 yrs. This is in between working 40 hrs a wk. Time to clean out more stuff. Packing the books took longer then anything else will. Good luck with the WW. If come across any good taste smoothies that will fill appreciate the info. thanks again for the great books. Jo Ann

Years ago, when I lived in Ca, my roommate had a pie iron that
she got from her grandma. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s two
hollowed out pieces of iron hinged together at one end and two
long handles on each end opposite the hinge. You can make
great sandwiches in it. I used to make peanut butter w/jelly
on two pieces of bread, put it in the pie iron, close it and trim
the crusts off. Then lay it on the burner of the stove on each
side according to directions. It’s the best pocket sandwich I’ve
ever had. What’s a Spiralizer?

Thanks for the heads up on the heads up on the 100% Natural Peanut Butter! Have a 35yr. old grandson who we just can’t keep in peanut butter! Sounds to me like he’ll love this one.. Thanks again. Keep writing I love your books.

First let me congratulate Norma and Joanne for winning the coveted autographed prize!! I am so glad you are all caught up on your writing that means we get to read your awesome words very soon! Thank you for keeping us updated on all the yummy finds for Weight Watchers. Keep up the great job! Thanks Linda!

Ok, I have been noticing this little gadget but would love to know what brand are you using? Also, any recipes you would care to share? My husband is a very picky vegetable eater so I have been thinking about getting one of these to incorporate more veggies in his diet. Would love to hear more about your ideas on this.
Thank you

Congrats to both winners. Also congrats to you on your weight watchers keep up the good work. I have a dog like yours only its the vacum where while I am vacuuming he is jumping the cord going in circles puffing he follows me everywhere I go with it. He should be use to that vacuum but he won’t rest til it’s shut off and put away. Lol

This was one of those days that you like to forget. The peanut butter powder is delish. A friend gave me some to try. Hope all is well at your place. It was 102 in Airway Heights about 2 today. That set off a series of events that left me with a huge bruise on my forehead. Oh well. Tomorrow will be better. Glad you are doing well back on WW. I need to do something like that. This is kind of disjointed, just like my day. Love your books. Every one of them.